Frosty Weather - Protect Your Dog's Paws

It's extremely frosty and icy today and I can only imagine it will continue to get colder over the coming weeks. I took this picture outside The Parlour this morning after defrosting my water supply to my bath!

Please remember to take extra care when walking your dogs in this weather. Avoid gritted roads or pavements where possible and only walk on soft ground as the grit can be both painful and dangerous to dogs if stood on or ingested. 

The salt and grit commonly used to make the roads safe for cars can burn animal paws and poison them if licked off once home. 

To protect your dogs from any unnecessary discomfort please invest in a good paw wax to help seal their paws before walks. Rub a small amount of paw wax on each paw before you take them outside to act as a protective barrier (make sure you also get in between the toes!) and always wipe their paws throughly with a wet cloth or wash them in a bowl of warm water once you have returned home to remove any risidule grit or salt that could be trapped between the toes. 

At The Parlour we use natural products wherever possible and I particularly favour the Paw Pal Natural Paw Wax by Health Mutt.

It's made from 100% natural ingredients and is cruelty free. All Health Mutt products are handmade in the UK and this Paw Pal Wax has no added essential oil to it's formula, making it suitable for puppies, pregnant or nursing mothers and the most sensitive of dogs (or their owners). 

Keeping the hair around the feet and inbetween the paw pads short will make the process of applying the wax easier and you will be able to spot any sores or remaining grit more easily. Matted fur between the toes is also more common in cold, wet weather and this will help to eliminate that. Ask your groomer to do this at your next visit. 

Remember that there are also more dangerous and poisonous chemicals around at this time of year such as anti-freeze so please be extra vigilant when letting your pets outside.

Stay safe!

Maidenhead Small Business invited to Downing Street to mark Small Business Saturday

A small business from Maidenhead, Berkshire was one of less than 100 from
around the countryinvited to represent the UK’s 5.2 million small
businesses in Downing Street on Friday to mark the UK’s second Small
Business Saturday the following day - on December 6th - when small,
independent businesses in communities across the country were put in the
national spotlight.

Multi award winning Poodles and Pompadours designs and makes pet
accessories inspired by the 1950's and runs a pet grooming parlour
following the same theme. Owner Hayley Woodham will attend a Small
Business Saturday Christmas fair inside Downing Street to be attended by
the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne and businesswoman and The
Apprentice star, Karen Brady.

Small businesses around the UK planned events, promotions and other
activities to attract clients and customers to them both on December 6th
but also as a way of creating a mindset for people to more readily think
of doing business with small, local companies. Already more than 30,000
small businesses around the UK have engaged with the campaign on various
social media platforms, many of which have downloaded marketing packs and
posters to display on their premises.

“The first Small Business Saturday last year was an exceptional example of
collaboration and co-operation with small businesses teaming up in
communities around the UK,” explains National Campaign Director Michelle
Ovens.

“We always said we wanted this to be the start of something amazing; a
regular event that shines a light on small businesses throughout the UK in
a way which is hugely beneficial to both the local and the national
economy. Small Business Saturday reinforces that message and demonstrates
the level of diversity, innovation and talent that is active within our
small business sector,” Michelle adds.

Michelle goes onto say that, with 5.2 million small businesses in the UK,
the chances are that if you don’t own one, then you work for one or know
somebody who does.

“This isn’t some abstract economic concept,” she says. “This is personal.
It’s about getting out and supporting your friends, your neighbours and
your family members and reinforcing your local community and economy.”

Speaking about Small Business Saturday 2014, the Chancellor of the
Exchequer, George Osborne, comments:

"Britain's small business owners deserve our support. They are the ones
who take the risks to create new opportunities and new jobs, that show off
British ingenuity and innovation and I am glad that once again they will
be able to be the focus of all our attention and support."

Small Business Saturday UK has attracted the support of leading business
organisations including Federation of Small Businesses, the Association of
City and Town Management, Association of Convenience Stores, Northern
Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association, as well as corporates like
American Express, O2, Lloyds Bank and NatWest and prominent entrepreneurs
Theo Paphitis, Karren Brady and Martha Lane Fox.

More information on Small Business Saturday, participating retailers and
details on promotions and other incentives to ‘shop locally’ can be found
on the Small Business Saturday Facebook page
(www.facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturdayuk) Twitter page (@SmallBizSatUk)
and website (www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com).

Booking Your Christmas Appointment

**Please note that we are now fully booked until December 5th.**

November and December are extremely busy months on the grooming calendar. If you would like your pet to be groomed before Christmas please book your appointment in now to avoid disappointment. We already have limited availability for December and our Bath & Dry only slots for Christmas Eve are filling up fast!

We have a special Christmas Grooming Menu with some fabulous festive treatments available too so please ask us about these in The Parlour when you come in for your appointment.

You can also book your pooch in for a Bath and Dry only on 23rd of December or Christmas Eve to ensure they are looking beautiful for your family Christmas photos.

If you would like to book in please call us on 07577 466996 or do so via the Appointment Request page on our website.

Merry Woofmas!

Hayley x

Fireworks: Keep Your Pets Safe

Our top 5 tips for keeping your pets happy tonight during the fireworks:

1. Keep them inside. Many dogs will get spooked whilst walking during fireworks and can run away  and get lost.

2. Make them a safe den to hide in with plenty of blankets. Let them snuggle up inside and feel safe.

3. Shut all doors, windows and draw all curtains in the house. Block out as much of the light and sound as possible.

4. Do not leave them alone unless absolutely necessary. They need you to feel safe. If you can't be there, please get a trusted pet sitter to be with them.

5. Use relaxing aromatherapy techniques and relaxing music to create a calm environment for them. Scents to use for dogs include Lavender, Chamomile and Ylang Ylang. Scented candles featuring these 3 main ingredients will work a treat. Light a lavender candle a few hours before the fireworks start to give the scents time to take effect. 

Stay safe! X

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from Bambi, Bear and Ziggy!

Should I Keep My Dog's Fur Longer in Winter?

Should I Keep My Dog's Fur Longer in Winter?

Due to popular belief, you might be doing your pooch more harm than good by trying to keep them in a longer coat for the winter season. Here's a few reasons you might want to consider before starting to grow your dog's fur out this winter...

- Dogs are domesticated animals and mostly live with us in our homes. Luckily for us, during the colder months our houses are heated. Dogs on average spend about 22 hours a day in their home environments. There's really no need for the extra warmth of a long fur coat and central heating unless they are living outside - It's much more efficient to keep your dog at a manageable length and buy a jumper or coat for when they are outside than to try and keep them in an unrealistic and unmanageable length. It will save you money in the long run!

- Longer fur is more prone to matting & knots especially in wet muddy weather. It becomes unmanageable for the owner and usually results in a shave-off and one very bald dog.

- Dogs don't sweat like us - they cool down/warm up by cool or warm air circulating through their knot-free and well groomed out coat. Which is more manageable for you? A shorter trim to keep knot-free and brush once a week or a longer coat that requires thorough daily grooming? 

- Longer coats take longer to dry. Imagine sitting in wet and muddy clothes for a few hours after you've been outside for a walk. It wouldn't feel very nice and you'd probably catch a chill. Well, it's the same for your pooch!

- Wet dogs famously don't smell very good! They are a bit stinky and will make a mess in your lovely house. Less coat = less mess!

- Soggy doggies are also more prone to getting nasties caught in their wet fur, such as brambles, twigs and leaves. These can be very difficult to remove and can lead to knots and matting if left untreated. If they scratch the skin, they could also lead to nasty infections. By keeping the coat long, you are effectively adding more surface area to pick up and collect all of these nasties.

I hope these reasons give you food for thought next time you are tempted to let your dogs fur grow out over winter. Usually this results in the pooch being shaved down after a few weeks or even months of the "growing out process" due to matting. By all means, if you have the time, money and dedication that it takes to keep your dog's in a full coat, especially during the challenging winter months, then go for it, but for most pet owners this simply isn't realistic.

Talk to your groomer and work with them to come up with a winter grooming schedule that works for both you and your dog. You can come up with a manageable length and style to keep your dog knot free but not bald, and you can even arrange a regular winter bathing schedule to keep them looking and smelly pretty as a picture!

There's no need to let your dog's fur grow out over the colder months. Winter is one of the most difficult seasons to manage grooming wise and you should try to make it as easy for yourself as possible by keeping your pet's coat clean and at a manageable length for you.

International Groomer of The Month!

I've got some good news, I've been entered into an International Grooming Competition. How exciting!

The Animology International Groomer of The Month Award is a highly acclaimed international grooming award from Animology - a well known pet grooming company.

I've been entered with my groom of the lovely Terry, a poodle cross who comes to me regularly.

There are two awards that I could win: The AIGOTM award is chosen by one of Animology's top grooming judges as being the best technical groom of the month.

Or there is the Animology International Groomer of the Month (Peoples Choice). This award is given to the entry that gains the most ‘likes’ on the relevant Facebook post within the calendar month.

Both winners receive a framed certificate and rosette and a rosette for the dog owner. Animology will also donate £150 (or equivalent) to each winning groomer's charity of choice.

If you have a facebook account, or know any friends or family that do all you have to do is click on the link attached and "like" the picture. Fingers crossed Terry wins! He's such a lovely dog and would be a very deserving winner.

I'll keep you all updated with our progress as the month progresses,

Hayley 

https://www.facebook.com/animology/photos/a.895683383794032.1073741884.207554885940222/895863890442648/?type=1&permPage=1

Hayley xo

Extended Christmas Opening Hours

Here's our extended opening hours for the festive period. Please book now to avoid disappointment as Christmas is our busiest time and we get booked up weeks in advance. We also have a brand new selection of festive services for you to enjoy. Thank You!

What Services Should Your Dog Groomer Be Providing?

Dog Groomers can offer many different services, packages and products which include but are not limited to pet trims, shave-downs, hand-stripping and show trims.

Some groomers offer additional treatments such as spa services, flea baths and even creative grooming, but you should be educated about the services that your dog groomer is legally allowed to provide you with.

Did you know that It is actually illegal in the UK under the The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 for anyone other than a current member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (AKA a trained, qualified and currently practising veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse) to do certain cleansing procedures?

These cleansing procedures include Anal Gland Expression, Teeth Descaling, Ear Plucking in the event of an infection and applying prescribed medications such as flea & tick spot-on treatment in return for money. Any groomers offering these services for a fee are doing so illegally, without permission and with void insurance. For this reason, we do not offer these services.

Should your dog need any of the services mentioned above, please contact your local vet who will be happy to help.

Local Berkshire Pet Business? Register Your Interest for Bark in The Park 2015 Here!

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Bambi's Top 10 Tips for Welcoming a Baby Sibling

Since Prince George is patiently waiting for a little baby brother or sister to arrive, Bambi thought she would use her experience of welcoming Bear into her life to prepare him for what's to come.

Bambi's Tips on Welcoming a Baby Brother or Sister:

1. Pretend they don't exist. If you ignore them, the big humans might send them back to where they came from. I'm not sure where this is, but it smells funny.

2. Do not share your toys with them. Especially not your elephant toys. These are your toys only and should not be played with by baby siblings. If they try to play with them, bite them on the nose.

3. If they touch you, you will growl. No touching of any kind is permitted. This includes but is not limited to any sniffing on the bottom.

4. Do not share food. They are smaller than you, which means they do not like to eat. They can survive perfectly well on all the extra attention that the big human is giving to them instead of you. If they try to eat your food, you should hide it in a very special hiding place until it goes smelly and green. Under the sofa cushions usually works well.

5. If you live in a big house with stairs, you can trick your baby sibling into climbing them. They will only be able to reach the second step because their legs are too short and will become stuck. This leaves you free reign to do as you wish for the rest if the day without being disturbed. You can also try locking them outside in the garden.

6. Teach them to pee in the house. Under no circumstances should you let them pee on the paper that human leaves on the kitchen floor for us to read, unless it is the Daily Mail.

7. Teach them to chew things really well. This is a skill that every good baby sibling needs to learn how to do. The humans love it. This new skill can also be used as a punishment if the humans try to make us read the Daily Mail.

8. Teach them to bark. Barking is so much fun and sometimes other neighbours in your neighbourhood will join in and sign a song for you. If you're doing it really well, the big humans will also join in. 

9. Tell them to sleep all day. If they are asleep, they cannot touch you, eat your food, steal your toys or annoy you in any way. When they are asleep you can utilise all the attention from the big humans. If they wake up, just sit on their head.

10. Under no circumstances should you show any of your secret love of affection to your baby sibling when the big humans are around. You must pretend to hate them and also look at them as if they have ruined your life. When they are gone, you can shower your baby sibling with lots of kisses and cuddles, protect them from other scary animals and play with them to your hearts content, but for God's sake don't get caught!

Puppy Awareness Week 2014

PAW aims to make sure that puppies live healthy, happy lives with suitable owners. Make sure that you get the right dog for your lifestyle and that you buy from a reputable breeder.

Dog lovers can change their Facebook and Twitter profile pictures to the PAW logo from 1-7 September - just right click the PAW logo below, save the image to your desktop, and upload it as your Facebook and Twitter profile picture. Remember to like the KC Facebook page to keep up with Puppy Awareness Week news and to share information.

Pup Aid

Coinciding with the start of the Kennel Club's Puppy Awareness Week is the UK's biggest anti-puppy farming event, Pup Aid, founded and organised by celebrity vet Marc Abrahams. It is taking place at Primrose Hill, London on 6th September 2014. Find out more about Pup Aid.

- See more at: http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/our-resources/kennel-club-campaigns/puppy-farming/puppy-awareness-week/#sthash.8UZqnzOt.dpuf








If you I'd some more information about Puppy Awareness Week or want to pick up a leaflet, please come and see us at the salon and we can provide you with these.

Stall Holders Wanted for Berkshire Pet Event

Stall Holders wanted to exhibit at Berkshire Pet Event.

We are looking for local businesses and animal charities to take part in a new and very exciting event in early 2015.

For more information please email Hayley at woof@poodlesandpompadours.com

Littlewick Show 2014

Yesterday was August Bank Holiday Monday in the UK which means that everyone gets an extra day off work. Yay!

We decided to go to Littlewick Show as despite it being on every year for as long as I can remember, I've never been before.

The weather was absolutely disgusting so it was a real shame as usually it's really warm and sunny but it was just tipping it down with rain all day.

We missed the vintage car show which I was really annoyed about and thought we had missed the dog show but luckily we were just in time to enter.

Despite the weather we weren't the only crazy people there to compete.

We entered Bear into 3 classes. 

- Pedigree Non Sporting Breed

- Pedigree Open and

- Judges Choice (a novelty class)

He came first in his first two classes and 2nd in Judges Choice. He was selected by the Pedigree Judge to enter Pedigree Best in Show which he won reserve (2nd place) for!

Bambi was also entered into 3 classes.

- Pedigree Non Sporting

- Pedigree Open

- Prettiest Bitch (a novelty class)

She placed 3rd in Pedigree Non Sporting and 2nd in Pedigree Open. We missed Prettiest Bitch as it was on at the same time that we were competing in the other ring. 

I'm really proud of both of them. Bambi was a bit naughty as the judging was based on Kennel Club rules which meant that they had to be looked over on a judging table (like you see on TV at Crufts) - she had to have her teen checked which she really hates as she has some dental issues which can make her mouth a bit sore at times, so she wasn't very friendly to the judge and wouldn't show her teeth, other than by growling at her and trying to bite her.

Very embarassing! Haha!

Here we are before we both got absolutely drenched in the competition ring (which was outside in torrential rain!)

I had a great time despite the weather and even picked up a really cute and kitsch little ornament from one of the stalls that was there raising money for a local animal shelter.

Sorry for the lack of pictures in this post. It was grey, wet and disgusting so not really great picture weather.

Until next time,

Hayley 

  

Our Weekend at Maidenhead Festival

We had such a lovely weekend at Maidenhead Festival this year. The weather was absolutely boiling hot so we were having to drink buckets of water to stay hydrated and out doggie icecreams went down a treat with the local fluffy guests.

There was loads of great food stalls, a beach, fairground rides, live music and great activities all day for all the family to enjoy.

We were giving our free doggie biscuits to all the dogs and even had a cool bowl of ice water for them to drink after their walk around the park.

We were selling some of out handmade products and even had a free grooming advice drop in clinic where you could ask us any questions. We had free information sheets to give out about coat care and how to stay flee and tick free this summer and had our magic tools for a brushing demonstration. 

Bear was there to meet his adoring fans dressed as a pirate. He loved all the fuss that was made of him but spent the majority of the day asleep in his shady spot.

He even enjoyed a doggie icecream and a few ice cubes to cool himself down.

Once again we'd like to thank the organisers of the event for including us for a second year running, and also say thank you to all of our supporters who came down to see us during the weekend. It was lovely to see friends, family and customers enjoying themselves at yet another fantastic festival.

See you there next year!

Hayley x

Poodles and Pompadours in Craft Coop!

We have a small selection of stock in the lovely Craft Coop shop opposite Iceland in the Nicholson's Centre in Maidenhead Town Centre for the next 2 weeks. Pop in and have a look at the huge selection of handmade gifts that they stock from local designers. 

Here's the lovely Brian modelling just one of the many hand sewn doggie bow ties that I will be delivering tomorrow to add to the collection. Woof woof!

How can I check of my pet is healthy?

As a responsible pet owner you should be completing regular visual health checks on your pet.

You can do this whilst grooming them and you should be checking the following areas:

 

Eyes - should be bright and clear. No discharge.

 

Nose - Should be wet and shiny. No discharge or cracking.

 

Gums & Teeth - Teeth should be white and clean. No rotten or loose teeth or signs of bad breath, redness or inflammation.

 

Ears - Should be clean and smell free. Check for build up of wax and hair.

 

Genitals - Area should be kept clean and free from discharge, inflammation, blood or growths.

 

Skin - Should be free from lumps, lesions & parasites. Dry, itchy or red skin may be a sign of an allergy.

 

Nails and Feet - Nails should be short and free from fungal infection. Paw pads should not be cracked or sore. Check for excess hair growth between toes which can cause irritation.

 

Please contact your vet should you have any concerns about your pets health.

 

 

Maidenhead Independent of The Year 2014

We are in the running to win Independent of The Year 2014.

On July 1st 2014 Independent of The Year launch the search for the UK’s best independent trader, as voted by the general public.

They asked independent traders across the UK to nominate themselves from June 1st 2014.  After which local people can vote for their favourite.

Winners of regional competitions will be put forward to the national vote from July 15th 2014 and a winner announced at the beginning of August.

For more information about Independent of The Year you can go to their website at http://independentoftheyear.org.

We are up against some truly amazing and well established local businesses so I know it's going to be tough. To cast your vote for us and give us a chance to win all you have to do is like and share the original status on the Enjoy Maidenhead Facebook page. 

Click here to be taken to the Facebook status to cast your vote. https://www.facebook.com/EnjoyMaidenhead/photos/a.531332120240292.117135.112954992078009/773186069388228/?type=1&source=46

It would be really amazing to win the local heats of this competition so if you could spare a few minutes to vote for us I would hugely appreciate it. 

Thank you! X

Fleas, Ticks and Mites, Oh My!

It's coming into parasite season do I thought I'd share with you some information about keeping your pets parasite free.

Fleas, Ticks and Mites can all live on your pet and cause them great discomfort. These are called ectoparasites. Ectoparasites are organisms that live on other organisms.

 

Signs that your pet may be infested with ectoparasites are:

Itching and Scratching

Loss of hair

Ulcerated or sore skin

Abrasions or scabs on the skin.

 

Fleas

Can be seen on your pet.

Small black specs.

 

Mites

Leave bran like substance

Crusted red/yellowish lesions on ears/nose

Reddish lumps on tail/genitals/feet.

 

Ticks

Can be seen - look like large fleas

Grow bigger after drinking blood.

 

PARASITE PREVENTION

As with all health concerns, prevention is better than cure.

The best prevention against parasite infestation is constant cleaning of your pets and their sleeping area.

Through thorough grooming you can spot any problems before they become out of control.

Talk to your vet about treating your pet with an insect regulator that is either given in their food or as a spot-on treatment monthly or every 3months.

You can also buy parasite prevention treatments at your local pet shops although these are much weaker alternatives to what your vet can prescribe.

CURE

If your pet does catch Fleas, the first step is to deal with the pet itself. A quality flea shampoo will kill all fleas on your pet. However this does not keep other fleas in the area from jumping on your now clean pet.

You should remove the pet from the environment while you treat the house and garden, thus keeping your pet safely away from chemicals.

You should only bring your flea-free pet back into the environment once you have completed the treatment of the area and it is safe to do so.

If your pet is allergic to fleas or just seems to attract them you may want to talk to your vet about flea control products such as Frontline.

Along with the use of flea sprays, carpet powders and flea bombs to treat your home, there are a few things you can do to help speed removal of fleas from the house:

 

1). Turn your heating up. The warmer and more humid the environment, the faster flea eggs will hatch, pupate and emerge as adults.

2). Wash the pet's bedding, together with any removable covers used where the pet frequents (such as sofa covers).

3). Vacuum the house thoroughly. Pay particular attention to areas where the pets spend most time. This will remove some flea eggs, larvae and pupae, though certainly not all. But the vibration of the vacuum cleaner may trigger more pupal fleas to hatch from their cocoons.

 

Always remember that treating your environment is just an important (usually more important) than treating the host.

I hope this post hasn't made you too itchy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why You Shouldn't Shave Your Pet in Summer

As the weather gets warmer and we start to enjoy the sun more, we also start to think about how are pets must be suffering in the heat and how to keep them cool. Many pet parents will be starting to think about phoning the groomers in the next few days to have their pets shaved for the summer.

Contrary to popular belief, shaving your long-haired dog (or cat) will not keep him/her cooler during the hot, summer months.

Shaving pets for the summer can actually predispose them to sun burn and to heat exhaustion/heat stroke. Long hair and thick undercoats act as insulation against the sun's rays and their effects. Coats that are kept well-brushed and mat-free allow for good air circulation through the hair, which in itself acts in the same way as insulation in your house. It keeps them cool in summer and warm in winter. On the contrary, matted, unkempt hair coats stifle air circulation and do little to help cool the body. In other words, daily brushing is a must during the hot, summer months.

 

Shaving your pet will not keep them cool in the summer. It will do the opposite and they can actually overheat and get sunburnt.

If your pet does have to be shaved due to matting (shaving your pets coat off is the only humane way to deal with matting and groomers have to do this by law to comply with The Animal Welfare Act) in the hot weather, please keep them inside or in the shade until their coat grows back and use plenty of pet safe sunscreen to protect them from sunburn and skin cancer.

For other tips of how to keep your pets cool in summer, read here.

 

 

Why Groomers Charge More Than Hairdressers

Top 10 Reasons Your Dog's Haircut Costs More Than Yours

10. Your hairdresser doesn't clean your bottom or genitals.

9. You don't go for weeks at a time without washing or brushing your hair.

8. Your hairdresser doesn't give you a sanitary trim around your private areas.

7. Your hairdresser doesn't have to clean your ears or your teeth.

6. Your hairdresser doesn't have to remove parasites from your body.

5. You sit still for your hairdresser and wait patiently whilst they cut your hair.

4. Your haircut doesn't include a manicure or pedicure.

3. You don't shout at your hairdresser and try to run away.

2. You don't try to bite or scratch your hairdresser.

1. You don't poo or wee on your hairdresser!

The Importance of Cat Grooming

Cats are famously known for taking care of their own grooming, without needing encouragement from anyone else. However, this is not always the case and many cats can become matted and smelly if they are not grooming themselves correctly. Getting involved in your cat's grooming helps to strengthen the bond between you and provides a chance to check for any signs of ill health. Most cats get used to grooming - and enjoy it.

 

The benefits of grooming

Grooming not only stimulates the circulation and improves muscle tone, but also minimises hairballs in the stomach by removing loose hairs. It smoothes down the fur to insulate the body more efficiently, and stimulates the glands at the base of the hairs which waterproof the coat. In hot weather, licking spreads saliva that cools your cat as it evaporates; grooming also spreads sebum (a natural oil that protects and waterproofs the hair and skin) across the coat.

 

Make grooming part of your cat's regular routine, introducing it as early a possible - ideally when your cat is still a kitten. Grooming will not only give you the chance to spot external parasites and skin wounds, and keep fur off your sofa, you'll also be spending quality time bonding with your pet.

 

If this is not done, or the cat is not correctly grooming themselves, knots can form in the fur which can then lead to server matting. Cats have very different skin to dogs, it is incredibly stretchy and paper thin. When their fur becomes matted, unlike dogs they will actually pull the mats out which can cause cuts and create holes in the skin which are painful and can become infected. You should never attempt to remove a knot or mat from a cat yourself. ALWAYS SEEK ADVICE FROM A TRAINED PROFEASIONAL.

 

Grooming Your Cat

For shorthaired cats, use a fine-toothed metal comb weekly and a natural-bristle or rubber brush to remove any dead hairs.

 

Gently brush or comb your cat's hair, using strokes in the direction that the hair grows.

 

Use the bristle brush to sweep up the coat in the direction of the head, and then smooth it down again.

 

For longhaired cats, groom daily with a steel comb.

 

Any knots can be teased out with your fingers, or cut off carefully with blunt-ended scissors by a trained professional. Alternatively, they may have to be shaved off by your groomer to remove extensive matting.

 

If grooming is a struggle, try offering food treats, stroking and talking reassuringly, then gently start to groom as your cat's attention turns to the treat.

 

 

Please contact us to discuss our professional cat grooming services.

 

 

Bear's First Groom at The Parlour

Watch Bear's first groom at The Parlour.

 

 

The Importance of Dog Grooming

Why Should I Groom My Dog?

A regular grooming routine has many benefits for both you and your pet.

-Creates a strong bond between pet and owner

-Dog looks and smells great

-Dog gets regular health checks

-Prevents parasite infestation

-Prevents knots and mats

-Creates manageable healthy coat

-Dog feels healthy and happy

How should I groom my dog?

1. Brush out thoroughly every day, this will remove loose & shedding hair and keep the coat free of mats, twigs, stick etc... It will also spread natural oils through the coat giving a healthy sheen while removing dust & dirt.

 

2. If you Bath your dogs at home, make sure they are mat free before you bath. Run a Comb though to the skin to double check. Wet mats will tighten up as they dry creating a bigger tighter mat that is harder to remove.

 

3. Use quality shampoo & conditioner, poor quality shampoos may dry the coat, cause dandruff and flaking, irritate the skin, and lead to itching. Always rinse well, even the best shampoos will cause itching if left in the coat.

 

4. If your dog has long nails, a few swipes from a heavy duty nail file daily will keep them from getting to long AND the friction from the nail file will cause the quick’s to recede, resulting in shorter nails.

 

5. Wipe out your dogs ears weekly with a soft cotton ball and ear cleaner, clean ears are less likely to get infections & irritations. You will also be more likely to notice right away if they do become infected. Do not clean deeper into the ear than you can see as you can damage the ear canal. (Just like your own ears)

 

6. If you find a mat, use a de-matting/silicone spray to lightly mist the area, and let sit a few minutes, gently brush the mat out working a small section at a time

 

7. Never use scissors to cut out mats unless you can CLEARLY see where the skin is and place your fingers between the skin & the mat. It is very easy to cut skin when trying to remove a mat with scissors.

 

8. A properly brushed coat can be parted at anyplace, showing the skin, You should be able to run a metal comb though the coat and down to the skin without snagging.

 

9. Make sure you have the proper tools for your pets coat. Not all Brushes are created equal. And even the best brush, if used improperly will not give the desired results. You may also need other items such as combs & de-mat spray.

 

10. Make it fun! Brushing your dog is a great way to bond. You should always make sure it is a positive and enjoyable experience for you and the dog. Use lots of praise, cuddles and treats to encourage them.

For a professional service please contact your local dog groomer.

 

Copyright Poodles and Pompadours / Watt-a-Dog

 

Take a Virtual Tour of The Parlour

Take a virtual tour of The Parlour - Canine Beauty Salon by Poodles and Pompadours.

 

What Does My Grooming Appointment Include?

What does my Pets grooming include?

We have different grooming packages available. Please ask us for details.

All dogs will receive a massaging bath using shampoos & conditioners selected for their individual coat & skin needs. Our special tearless shampoo is used for the face area. We then hand dry & brush out the coat, clip nails* & clean ears.**  Feet, pads & sanitary areas are trimmed as applicable. We will then do any styling/clipping & scissoring appropriate to his/her breed or as requested.

A finishing spray &/or cologne will be applied to the coat leaving your pet feeling, smelling & looking fabulous..

*Grooming always includes nails. The only exception to this would be dogs that become overly aggressive or panicked to the point where it would be unsafe for us to provide this service.

**Please note, because cleaning the ear can cause further irritation & make it difficult for your vet to diagnose the problem, we do not clean ears that show signs of inflammation, soreness or any condition that needs to be attended by a vet.

Do you express Anal Glands?

No. It is actually illegal under the The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 for anyone other than a current member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to do certain cleansing procedures including Anal Gland Expression, Teeth Descaling, Ear Plucking in the event of an infection and applying prescribed medications such as flea & tick spot-on treatment in return for money. For this reason, we do not offer these services.

How long will my dogs grooming take?

This all depends on the individual pet. Coat condition, age, temperament, breed and style are all relevant factors. When we meet your dog we can discuss any relevant issues, as each client is different. Our main concern is the welfare of your pet whilst in our care and to make it an enjoyable experience for them. Our parlour is quiet and calm due to the fact that we only offer one on one appointments. We usually have relaxing music playing which dogs find soothing and creates a peaceful atmosphere. Most dogs are groomed straight through, allowing them to be picked up within a few hours as apposed to being left all day.